Bambisanani Partnership Awards inspire students in KwaZulu-Natal
Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal was the co-founding school of the Bambisanani Partnership together with St. Mary’s, Menston, in the UK. Recently Mnyakanya held a special ceremony to present the annual Bambisanani awards to seven outstanding students.
From left to right: Lungelo Mkhize, Okuhle Dlezi, Norma Magwaza, Nqubeko Nene, Luthando Mnqayi, Mlamuli Ndlovu, Athandile Gumede
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani coordinator at Mnyakanya said “These prestigious awards continue to be a great inspiration to our young people with many of them working so hard to achieve them. It is difficult to explain just how much these awards change the mindset of the young people in our community. They develop higher self-esteem and are encouraged to do more good things for the school and for the community. The awards also prepare them to be more confident citizens for the future. The evidence shows that many of the award winners go on to be very successful in life. I do not really have the words to thank the Bambisanani Partnership enough for creating these ongoing opportunities for our young people to grow and succeed.”
The 2022 Bambisanani Partnership Award winners
Norma Magwaza: BambisananI Sportswoman of the Year
Luthando Mnqayi: Bambisanani Sportsman of the Year
Lungelo Mkhize: Laurie McCauley Legacy Award for the Most Improved Footballer.
Athandile Gumede: Laurie McCauley Legacy Award for Creative Writing
Mlamuli Ndlovu: Sibonelo Magwaza, Outstanding Leadership Award
Okuhle Dlezi: John Paul II Foundation for Sport, Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award.
Nqubeko Nene: John Paul II Foundation for Sport, True Spirit of Sport Award.
The recipients were clearly delighted and greatly honoured with the awards:
The Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award winner, Okuhle Dlezi, was inspired by her sister who received the Laurie McCauley Legacy Award for Creative writing in 2020. Dlezi said:
“My home is about 244 km (150 miles) from Mnyakanya but I was so inspired to see my sister awarded for Creative Writing in 2020 in this school that it encouraged me to come to Mnyakanya. I can’t believe that in 2022 is my turn to be famous. Achieving this special award has truly been a very honourable moment for me. I always find it as a duty to help other students to recognise and master their potential to the best of their ability. My sole intention is to carry on reminding each and every student of what we are all capable of and that is nothing but greatness."
Sportswoman of the Year Award winner, Norma Magwaza commented:
"I felt very motivated and proud to be honoured as a Sportswoman of the Year in front of a big audience of students and parents. This means a lot to me as a young netball player who wishes to play for the big teams in future. These Awards have developed my self-esteem. I wish to thank all those who made this happen.”
Nqubeko Nene, John Paul II Foundation for Sport, True Spirit of Sport Award winner who is doing his first year at Mnyakanya said:
“I felt like a king of sport when I was awarded for John Paul II Foundation for Sport Award for the True Spirit of Sport. I felt like I could scream because of the excitement. I am very proud of myself.
I never thought that coming to Mnyakanya High School will make me a legend. I wish to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for opening these opportunities."
A very excited Sportsman of The Year, Luthando Mnqayi added:
"I feel privileged for being honoured as a Sportsman of the Year. I love soccer. It is the effort, hard work and determination that has put me in this position. I am really grateful to all the Mnyakanya learners that gave me support to push through in all my soccer games. I would also like to encourage other young people to believe in themselves and work hard so that they achieve more in life. I do not have enough words to express my excitement; the joy inside me is overwhelming. I wish to thank all those who made this happen."
Lungelo Mkhize who was recognised as the Most Improved Footballer said:
"It is a great honour to receive this award in memory of Laurie McCauley. I can’t believe that this award comes to me this year. I feel very famous in my school and in my community. This is motivating me more in the love of sport. It gives me hope that in future."
Mlamuli Ndlovu who received the Sibonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding Leadership said:
"Receiving this award in memory of Sibonelo is a great honour to me. It made me feel special and important at school. I did not believe that I would be the one who receive this award. It has helped my self-image and developed my confidence. I hope this will help other learners to learn something from me."
Athandile Gumede who was awarded for Creative Writing remarked:
“The Laurie McCauley Award brings me joy and excitement that is difficult to explain. I started creative writing with my friend as a hobby. However, the recognition I got from school through this award has made me feel great and I now see this as an opportunity for my future. I am indeed excited, for all this is yet to come."
Mnyakanya Principal, Mr S.V Ngubane, who joined the school in 2020, commented:
Mnyakanya Principal, Mr S.V Ngubane
"The impact that these awards have on creating a positive learning environment is amazing. They make each learner feel special at school. These awards encourage us to recognise and appreciate each and every skill that the learners have. They encourage active participation of learners in all school activities which leads to higher pass rates of students at the end of the year. I would like to pass my humble appreciation to everyone who contributed to make this idea come true. Thanks again to the Bambisanani Partnership.”
Speaking on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership, David Geldart added:
“Congratulations to all seven very worthy recipients of these much sort after awards. The fantastic efforts of the young people at Mnyakanya never cease to amaze me. Great credit must also go to the teachers at Mnyakanya who, despite some very challenging circumstances, nurture this amazing talent that is just waiting to be unlocked. We especially remember Laurie and Sibonelo at this time. The McCauley and Magwaza families are always keen to hear about the recipients of the awards. Special thanks, as ever, to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for their continued support and sponsorship. Throughout my time in education, I have always believed very strongly in recognising and rewarding achievement in all its facets. It is quite remarkable just how much these awards motivate and inspire; long may it continue! Well done and thank you again to everyone involved.”
